More than £24.6 million will be invested in local infrastructure as part of the planning agreement for a community of up to 800 new homes which is set to be built in Water Eaton. Bellway and Christ Church Oxford have worked together on the plans to create a sustainable community on land to the east of Oxford Road. The development will provide up to 400 affordable homes and serve as a new gateway to the city of Oxford. Cherwell District Council’s planning committee first gave its backing to the outline plans in June 2024. The formal planning agreement has now been issued, detailing the wider commitments Bellway and Christ Church have made. Financial contributions include £7.74 million for primary education, £5.86 million for secondary education, more than £6.5 million towards roads and transport and more than £2.2 million for sports facilities. The development will enhance biodiversity on the land by more than 20 per cent and has been awarded a Building with Nature design accreditation. Paul Smits, Managing Director for Bellway Northern Home Counties, said: “This new community in Water Eaton has been designed to bring benefits to local residents and to the environment. “This requires more than simply building homes. Our plans demonstrate how the foundations will be laid for a new neighbourhood featuring vast areas of parkland, orchards and play areas, a community area and school, as well as new housing, all connected by walkways and cycle paths to encourage green modes of travel. “Wildlife habitats will be created and enhanced, while historic features such as the underground remains of historic barrows will be protected. “The provision of up to 400 energy-efficient affordable homes, as well as the significant financial support for local services, will deliver tangible benefits to people living in this part of Oxfordshire.” Wilf Stephenson, Chief Information Officer for Christ Church, said: “Four hundred affordable homes in Oxford is a significant number, and one that reflects Christ Church’s genuine commitment to the communities around its landholdings. “Sustainability has been central to the design of this development from the outset: our Responsible Ownership Policy for Property sets rigorous standards across ecology, energy, carbon and wellbeing, and those standards have shaped every decision taken at Water Eaton. “We look forward to seeing a community built here that benefits both the people who live in it and the environment around it.” The development will provide land for a new primary school and funding towards land for a secondary school. Financial contributions will also support household recycling, road and transport improvements, and a community development worker. The outline planning consent gives formal approval to the masterplan and core areas of the development. Detailed plans for each area will be prepared by Bellway and submitted to Cherwell District Council for approval before work begins. The first detailed planning application for infrastructure is due to be submitted in the coming weeks, with a residential application to follow soon afterwards. Bellway hopes to start work later this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A major new build-to-rent development is set to reshape part of central Norwich after property investor Zive Capital secured planning approval for the £80m Victoria Gardens scheme. Located on the former Queens Road Marsh office site, the brownfield development will bring 432 new rental homes to the city across a series of contemporary residential buildings. The vacant office block, which had remained unused since the pandemic, was demolished in 2024 to pave the way for the regeneration project. Designed by Broadway Malyan, the scheme will feature five main residential blocks that gradually step down in scale towards a collection of townhouses positioned at the southern end of the development. Alongside new homes, Victoria Gardens will include around 500 sq m of flexible commercial, incubator and retail space, aimed at supporting start-up businesses and Norwich’s growing creative and digital sectors. The wider masterplan has been designed to create a more connected and accessible neighbourhood, opening up a site that was previously closed off from surrounding streets. Proposals include new pedestrian walkways, landscaped courtyards, communal gardens and public open spaces intended to encourage community interaction and improve the urban environment. As part of the approved plans, Zive Capital has committed to delivering 10% affordable housing, with the potential for this figure to increase should the development exceed financial expectations. Adam Zive, principal at Zive Capital, described the planning approval as a major step forward for the project and highlighted the company’s ambition to create a long-term residential community in the city. The scheme reflects continued investor confidence in the UK build-to-rent sector, particularly in regional cities where demand for high-quality rental accommodation and mixed-use urban regeneration continues to grow. Construction is expected to begin within the next 18 months. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Developer Amstone has appointed Keady Construction as main contractor for the £150m No.1 Knightsbridge residential development in Stockport. The major scheme will deliver 588 apartments across a series of residential blocks ranging from five to 15 storeys, further strengthening Stockport’s growing appeal as a key residential and regeneration hotspot in the North West. Construction is expected to begin during the first quarter of 2027, with the project being delivered in phases over the following two-and-a-half years. Keady Construction, part of the wider OHOB Group, was selected due to its strong track record in large-scale residential delivery and experience within the private rented sector market. Adnan Siddiqi, Director at Amstone Ventures, said the developer was particularly attracted to Keady’s expertise within the residential sector, alongside its approach to design quality and environmental considerations. He highlighted the contractor’s recent completion of a 31-storey residential tower on Skinner Street in Leeds, which delivered 399 private rented apartments, as evidence of the company’s capability to successfully deliver large urban living schemes. Kieran Duggan, Director at Keady Construction, described No.1 Knightsbridge as another important milestone for the contractor as it continues expanding its portfolio of major residential developments across the north of England. He added that following the successful completion of the Leeds project for Ridgeback Group, the Stockport scheme further strengthens Keady’s growing client base, which also includes major names such as Peel Holdings and Legal & General. The project reflects continued investor confidence in regional residential markets, particularly in well-connected town and city centres where demand for modern apartments and build-to-rent accommodation remains strong. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

One of the UK’s fastest growing affordable housing developers is heading to UKREiiF tomorrow with a blueprint for unlocking difficult regeneration sites. Keon Homes will be speaking at the biggest real estate investment infrastructure show in the country and is using the platform to announce the start of its latest scheme for City of Wolverhampton Council’s £1bn housing framework. The Burntwood-based company will begin construction on the £28m Heath Town site on the edge of the city, transforming the old Duke of York pub into 32 affordable one and two-bedroom council apartments. This marks the next phase in the wider £120m regeneration of the area that will eventually deliver up to 120 new homes across five different locations, all following on from the earlier success of Hobgate Road and Tithe Croft. Managing Director Richard Williams, who will be one of the main speakers at the Housing Delivery Showcase on Tuesday, said: “We are pleased to bring forward the Duke of York scheme, a development that shows the Keon model works…combining modern delivery methods, strong stakeholder collaboration and a focus on social value to unlock difficult regeneration sites. “It also underlines our capability to scale regeneration programmes across multiple sites under framework agreements, with this latest one following the start of ambitious projects at New Park Village and Lincoln Green in Bushbury.” He continued: “UKREiiF is the perfect place to highlight what we believe is a blueprint that could be replicated across other towns and cities facing similar housing and regeneration challenges. “Phased regeneration, mixed housing needs, accessibility, community-focused design and long-term partnership is working in Wolverhampton and supporting a local authority in accelerating housing delivery while creating lasting social impact.” The Duke of York project replaces a long-vacant building with affordable housing, acting as a real gateway site into Wolverhampton city centre. This will be reflected by enhanced landscaping, shared garden spaces and balconies to encourage placemaking and community interaction. All properties will be energy efficient and built to a high standard providing a place for individuals and families in the area to proudly call their home. Richard went on to add: “I’m really looking forward to speaking at UKREiiF, talking in partnership with Midland Heart on how we have played a fundamental role in bringing the iconic Port Loop development back to life and our eagerly awaited work on Tower Ballroom in Edgbaston. “The Housing Delivery Showcase will be one of the highlights of the West Midlands Pavilion and reflects the entire region’s commitment to working with the real estate sector to drive residential delivery.” In just seven years, Keon Homes has grown from a start-up operation into a genuine leader in affordable housing, transforming the way sustainable homes are delivered to thousands of people. The last twelve months has been its most active year yet, with 376 properties completed and a further 250 units in the process of being built across the Black Country, Birmingham, Coventry, Lichfield and Telford. For further information, please visit www.keonhomes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A former grammar school site, latterly used as a business centre, in Winsford Town Centre, Cheshire has been brought to market as a residential development opportunity.  Cheshire West & Cheshire Council has appointed CBRE as its agent for Verdin Exchange. Verdin Exchange is a 51,968 sq ft listed red-brick building dating back to 1895 on an extensive 3.89 acre site fronting the town’s High Street (A54). Originally built as a technical school and latterly used as a business centre, the site has been identified as prime for redevelopment as a residential-led scheme, subject to planning. Initial feasibility work highlights the site’s potential for a blend of one, two and three-bedroom apartments set across the existing building and two new-builds, complemented by landscaped amenity space and high-quality public realm. The development could create a sustainable living environment in an established and well-connected Cheshire location, adjacent to the recently redeveloped Winsford Cross Shopping Centre, at the heart of the town’s ongoing regeneration. The scheme represents a rare opportunity to combine the conversion of a heritage asset with new-build development, enabling the creation of a distinctive residential destination within a revitalised town centre setting. Neil Kirkham, Head of Liverpool Office at CBRE commented: “Verdin Exchange represents a compelling opportunity to deliver a high-quality residential scheme in a well-connected and evolving Cheshire town.  The combination of a prominent town centre location, strong transport links and the character of the existing building provides developers with the chance to create a truly distinctive place to live.  With capacity for a mix of apartment types alongside landscaped amenity and public realm improvements, this is a site that can make a meaningful contribution to Winsford’s continued regeneration.” The site is being offered for sale on a freehold basis, with interest sought from developers capable of bringing forward a deliverable, design-led scheme.  Verdin Exchange is being marketed on an all enquiries basis, but recognises there is a strong residential development opportunity. Gemma Davies, Director of Economy and Housing, Cheshire West & Chester Council “The Verdin Exchange is an iconic and much-loved building in Winsford town centre. Its striking architecture makes it a Winsford icon and it is a building that the community is keen to see open its doors again. Cheshire West & Chester Council is seeking a developer who can support its goal to safeguard the future of Verdin Exchange and give it a new lease of life by restoring the listed building and maintaining and enhancing the community uses of the site. Ensuring this building can play its part in the vitality and vibrancy of the town long into the future. The first phase of regeneration works has already been a real success story and we’re excited to see what comes forward from developers for the Verdin Exchange to support us in achieving our ambitions for this great town that Winsford residents now and in the future can be proud of.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Vistry has secured planning approval for the first phase of its major £600m residential development at Pudding Mill Lane, marking another significant step in the continued transformation of the area surrounding Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Newham Council has approved the opening phase of the Stratford scheme, which is being delivered in partnership between Vistry and the London Legacy Development Corporation. The first stage of the development will provide 355 homes as part of a wider mixed-use neighbourhood planned beside Pudding Mill Lane DLR station. Once complete, the full masterplan will deliver 948 mixed-tenure homes across four phases, with at least 45% designated as affordable housing. The approved first phase includes five residential buildings ranging from three to 17 storeys, positioned alongside the Olympic Park and designed to create a new riverside community within one of East London’s fastest-growing regeneration areas. Designed by architects Maccreanor Lavington and Gort Scott, the first phase will also feature a nursery, a proposed health centre, retail space and wider community facilities aimed at supporting long-term neighbourhood growth. Public realm and green infrastructure form a major part of the proposals. Plans include the creation of City Mills Riverside Park, a new riverfront pocket park and more than 1,200 sq m of play space integrated throughout the development. Sustainability is also central to the project’s design approach. The neighbourhood will operate as a fossil fuel-free scheme, incorporating on-site air source heat pumps, climate-resilient landscaping, sustainable drainage systems and wider environmental improvements. Rob Wilkinson, managing director at Vistry South London, said construction on the first phase is expected to begin this autumn, with the wider development scheduled for completion by 2033. The project adds further momentum to the ongoing regeneration of East London following the legacy transformation of the former Olympic site into one of the capital’s most significant mixed-use residential and commercial districts. A reserved matters planning application for the second phase of the development is expected to be submitted during summer 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat, is set to break ground on the second phase of its Springhill Farm development and create 295 new homes in Shotts, North Lanarkshire. Representing a £51 million investment into the local area, the additional homes follow the success of phase one at the site, which delivered 104 new homes. Due to be completed in 2032, the second phase will deliver a variety of two, three and four bed family homes, terraces, semi-detached and detached products – creating much needed homes for local people. Ron and Maria bought their home at phase one of the Springhill Farm scheme in 2023 after moving from a rented flat in Glasgow. Ron explains: “From our very first visit to Bertramfarm, we fell in love with the area.  “Being surrounded by the countryside and enjoying the fresh air has made such a difference to our day-to-day lives. It took us a couple of attempts to find the right home, but it was absolutely worth it.  “We love everything about our house – the sense of space, the layout, and how bright and welcoming it feels. Our neighbours are friendly and peaceful, which makes it even more special. We’re excited about the next phase and look forward to welcoming new neighbours to the community.” Tim Metcalfe, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, Scotland, added: “We’re excited to launch the next phase of this much needed Shotts development, as the area has had little investment into new housing stock. “At Keepmoat, we are proud to deliver top quality, open market homes designed for the future. The development is well connected with easy access to the Shotts train station, which offers direct access to Glasgow and Edinburgh.” Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership homebuilder with a track-record of delivering quality new homes across the UK. To date, almost 60 percent of its current developments are on brownfield sites. To find out more, please visit: www.keepmoat.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Scotland’s build-to-rent sector is showing signs of a major recovery after years of stalled development activity, with new legislation expected to unlock thousands of delayed homes and reignite investor confidence. According to new analysis from property consultancy Ryden, part of the Lambert Smith Hampton Group, changes to Scotland’s rent control regulations could pave the way for nearly 10,000 build-to-rent homes to move forward. The findings were published as part of Lambert Smith Hampton’s “Live & Kicking” Build to Rent Report 2026. The Scottish market has faced significant disruption since 2022, when emergency rent controls were introduced during the cost-of-living crisis. The measures led to a sharp decline in investor confidence, with many planned developments paused or delayed amid concerns over long-term viability and returns. As a result, there are currently no large-scale build-to-rent developments under construction anywhere in Scotland, despite a substantial pipeline of approved schemes waiting to progress. However, sentiment across the sector has shifted following the introduction of the Private Housing Rent Control (Exempt Property) (Scotland) Regulations 2026, which came into force in April. The new rules confirm that qualifying build-to-rent developments will be exempt from rent control measures, providing developers and investors with greater certainty. Industry experts believe the changes could mark a turning point for Scotland’s residential investment market, particularly in Glasgow and Edinburgh, where much of the future activity is expected to be concentrated. David Fraser, partner in residential investment and development at Ryden, said the market had effectively ground to a halt after 2022, but the new exemptions had restored the clarity investors needed to commit to projects once again. He added that Scotland had moved from being one of the UK’s most uncertain build-to-rent markets to one of its most compelling opportunities for investment. More than 5,200 build-to-rent homes have been delivered across Scotland so far, largely within Glasgow and Edinburgh. However, this remains significantly behind comparable English cities, where the sector has become a major contributor to housing supply and urban regeneration. The report also highlights growing interest in co-living and single-family rental developments, both of which are expected to play an increasing role in tackling Scotland’s housing shortage. With tenant demand remaining strong and regulatory barriers beginning to ease, the sector is now expected to enter a new phase of growth, with long-delayed schemes finally moving closer to delivery. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Fresh plans have been revealed for Kings, a major £1.2bn waterfront development in Liverpool that could deliver one of the UK’s tallest buildings outside London. The eight-acre scheme, brought forward by Beetham Group and Davos Property, is described by the developers as the regeneration of a “forgotten corner” of Liverpool’s waterfront. A public consultation has now opened ahead of the submission of a hybrid planning application later this year. Kings would be the city’s largest development project since Liverpool ONE and is set to include 10 buildings across a new mixed-use district. Consent has already been secured for the first building, a 28-storey residential tower. The wider masterplan includes six residential buildings, providing around 2,750 homes in total. At the heart of the proposals is a 70-storey tower designed by SimpsonHaugh Architects, which would include a hotel on its lower floors and more than 500 branded residences above. If delivered, it would become Liverpool’s tallest building. Across the district, the plans include around 400 hotel rooms, 150,000 sq ft of office space close to the river, and 160,000 sq ft for retail, leisure, food and beverage operators. The scheme will also include a new arts venue, shared workspace for start-ups and technology businesses, and public realm designed to improve connections across the waterfront. The development is being planned across three zones. Residential uses would be focused towards the northern end of the site, linking with Waterloo Dock and Pall Mall. Offices would sit towards the southern end, creating a connection between Liverpool’s business district and the Princes Dock office quarter, while leisure uses would be positioned in the centre of the scheme. The hybrid planning application will seek detailed consent for the site layout, services and some buildings, with outline consent requested for the remaining plots. Hugh Frost, chairman of Beetham Group, said Kings represents a statement of confidence in Liverpool, its leadership and its economy. He said the consultation would allow the public to help shape a scheme that could deliver a significant step-change for the city. Chris Bolland, managing partner at Brock Carmichael, the masterplan architect for Kings, said the proposals had been carefully developed around heritage, permeability, layout, massing and scale. He added that feedback from people across Liverpool and Wirral would be an important part of refining the final plans. The joint venture is now seeking investment partners for the project, including build-to-rent funding, a branded residences partner, a hotel operator and support for the office element. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Landmark Jewellery Quarter build-to-rent neighbourhood opens for reservations following major city centre transformation Reservations have officially gone live at Makers Place, Moda Living and Apache Capital’s landmark Build-to-Rent neighbourhood in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, marking a major milestone in the delivery of a significant city-centre regeneration project. The scheme delivers 722 high-quality rental homes across a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses, forming a long-term, operationally efficient rental neighbourhood in a key central Birmingham location. The project has reactivated a long-vacant city-centre site that had remained undeveloped for over 70 years in a key gateway position. Contributing to the ongoing regeneration of the city’s renowned Jewellery Quarter, Makers Place brings the plot back into use and establishes a thriving new gateway neighbourhood the centre of Birmingham. The development comprises three buildings ranging from five to 39 storeys, forming a distinctive new addition to Birmingham’s skyline and joining The Mercian – Moda and Apache Capital’s first Birmingham development and one of the city’s tallest residential buildings. Designed by Ryder Architecture and delivered by Sisk, Makers Place has been shaped through a highly contextual design approach, responding directly to its position between the historic Jewellery Quarter, with elegant, elaborate brick work in a low-rise design, blending seamlessly into the more contemporary design high rise design on the edge of the nearby Colmore Business District.   The project has also delivered significant economic and social value during construction. Over 600 jobs were created through Sisk and the wider supply chain, with 788 employees in project-related roles based within 11 miles of the site. The scheme has supported 185 individuals previously long-term unemployed into work, alongside care leavers, prison leavers, ex-military personnel and individuals with disabilities. In addition, 42 apprentices, graduates and interns have been engaged, with 116 people under 24 supported into employment or training. To further integrate the neighbourhood into its Jewellery Quarter community Moda launched reservations with the introduction of five local Makers – creative individuals running independent businesses in the area – to embed the local character into the resident experience at Makers Place from day one. The makers include: Residents will also benefit from the Moda Apache JV’s most considered and elevated range of amenities to date, including a sky lounge and bar with views over the city, co-working spaces, private dining rooms, rooftop terraces and landscaped courtyards, alongside a 24-hour gym and fitness studio and cinema room. Strategically located within walking distance of Snow Hill and Birmingham New Street stations, Makers Place sits within a well-connected city centre location. Richard Smith, MD Operations at Moda Living, said: “Makers Place is an exciting and important addition to our Birmingham portfolio, and we’re pleased to now have reservations live ahead of welcoming our first residents to this amazing new neighbourhood in the summer. “As the Build-to-Rent market continues to evolve, differentiation is key. At Makers Place, we’ve focused on creating a neighbourhood that reflects the character of the Jewellery Quarter, while delivering the quality, consistency and service that define Moda. The inclusion of our local makers plays a central role in bringing that to life, ensuring residents feel connected to the area and their homes from day one.” Richard Lawrence, Executive Director for Place, Prosperity and Sustainability at Birmingham City Council, said: “Makers Place is a landmark development for Birmingham, and it’s exciting to see it reach this important milestone. The scheme has transformed a site that stood vacant for decades into a vibrant new part of the city centre, and in doing so sets a new standard for ambitious, design-led regeneration. “It shows what can be achieved when partners work together with a shared vision to create places that genuinely add to the life of the city.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals